2017 F-250 Ike Gauntlet

ShinerBock wrote:

brulaz wrote:

ShinerBock wrote:

RCMAN46 wrote:

They did say at 3:11 in the 3500 video the Ram required three brake applications.

That was because they did not put the Ram in Auto mode. If they did, then it would have automatically downshifted to maintain speed just like the Ford and GM did. The Rams have two modes for its exhaust brake. Full mode for those who like to manually gear down and Auto mode for those that like the computer to do everything.

Hmmmmm. Not sure about this. I thought RAM's aggressive downshifting was controlled entirely by T/H mode, not the mode of the exhaust brake.

I've used Full exhaust brake mode down some steep Appalachian slopes, along with T/H, and it definitely downshifts aggressively. Can't imagine Auto mode doing it any better.

Full mode will slow down the truck even when it's not accelerating. Auto mode only activates when it is accelerating, or you touch the brakes.

Puckuptrucks.com(and myself) has already tested this. They had less brakes applications using the EB in Auto mode than in regular mode.
They actually had to hit the accelerator because it slowed them down too much versus no accelerator touches in regular mode. Don't imagine it not doing any better, try it and see.

Interesting, and thanks for the tip. I'll try Auto next time.

But I can see how the Ike Gauntlet folks would think Full mode would give you more aggressive breaking, both engine and exhaust.

My apologies to Ford fans for veering off into a RAM topic.

EDIT: I found the pickuptrucks.com articles that Shiner refs:
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/ultimate-one-ton-hd-challenge-davis-dam-exhaust-brake-test.html
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2014/08/ultimate-one-ton-hd-challenge-eisenhower-pass-exhaust-braking.html
Very interesting results for all 3 trucks.